Zak Starkey, the renowned drummer for The Who, has expressed his feelings of being “surprised and saddened” following his departure from the iconic band after an impressive tenure spanning 29 years. His time with the legendary rock group has been marked by significant performances and contributions, making this news particularly notable for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

On Tuesday, The Who announced a “collective decision to part ways” with Starkey, a move that has left many fans in disbelief. In a lighthearted yet poignant reaction shared on Instagram, Starkey humorously noted that the band had filed “formal charges of overplaying” against him after the recent shows at the Royal Albert Hall, which have been a highlight in their ongoing legacy.

In a more serious note conveyed to Rolling Stone, Starkey reflected on a significant health scare he experienced in January, which involved a serious medical emergency due to blood clots in his right calf. Despite this challenging period, he reassured fans that he has made a full recovery and emphasized that it did not hinder his drumming performance in any way.

“I take immense pride in my nearly three decades with The Who. Stepping into the role of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith [Moon]’ has been a profound honor, and I consider myself their greatest supporter. They have always felt like family to me. Earlier this year, I faced a serious medical emergency when blood clots were found in my right bass drum calf, but I am now completely healed, and there is no impact on my drumming or ability to perform.”

“After such a lengthy time playing these iconic songs with the band, it’s both surprising and disheartening to hear that anyone would take issue with my performance that evening. Nevertheless, I have decided to take some much-needed time off with my family. I am also looking forward to the upcoming release of ‘Domino Bones’ by Mantra of the Cosmos featuring Noel Gallagher in May, as well as finishing my autobiography, which I am writing entirely on my own. Spending twenty-nine years in any profession is quite an achievement, and I sincerely wish the best for them moving forward.”

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During the Who’s performance on March 30th at the Royal Albert Hall, there was a notable moment when singer Roger Daltrey paused mid-song during “This Song is Over” to express his frustration, stating that he couldn’t hear other instruments due to the drumming. This incident highlights the challenges of live performances and the dynamics between band members.

“To effectively sing that song, I need to hear the key, and right now, I can’t,” Daltrey stated around the 3:10 mark. “All I’m hearing is the drum sound: boom, boom, boom. It’s quite difficult for me to sing under those conditions. I apologize to everyone.” It remains unclear whether Daltrey was referring to the monitor mix, the overall stage volume, or the specifics of Starkey’s drumming at that moment.